Salt air is wonderful to live in, but it is hard on homes. In Juno Beach, sun, salt spray, humidity, and hurricane season accelerate wear on roofs, metals, paint, and mechanicals. A simple, repeatable calendar keeps your coastal home tight, beautiful, and ready for season while protecting resale value. The guide below organizes care into monthly, quarterly, seasonal, and annual routines you can hand to a house manager or follow yourself.
Why a salt‑air calendar matters
A structured plan limits corrosion, prevents moisture problems, and reduces emergency repairs. It also makes storm season calmer because you will handle the big tasks before watches and warnings start. We use short, repeatable checklists so upkeep feels manageable and your home stays market‑ready year round. Remember, the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, so front‑load exterior work before June when possible per NOAA.
How this calendar works
- Monthly and biweekly: light touch habits that stop salt and humidity from gaining ground.
- Quarterly: deeper resets for surfaces and systems.
- Storm season: calm, step‑by‑step prep and recovery.
- Annual and long‑range: professional inspections and planned upgrades that extend lifespan.
Monthly and biweekly coastal essentials
Small, frequent tasks are your best defense against salt, sun, and moisture.
Exterior metals and fixtures
- Rinse railings, hinges, locks, and outdoor kitchen appliances with fresh water after onshore wind days. Wipe dry to prevent spotting and tea staining.
- Apply a light protectant to stainless and aluminum as needed. Where replacing hardware, choose marine grade 316 stainless to resist chloride pitting in marine environments materials guidance.
- Clear weep holes in rail posts, balcony tracks, and fence systems so trapped salt water can drain.
Windows, doors, and seals
- Rinse exterior glass and frames, then check tracks for sand and salt. Clean and lubricate sliders so they seal tightly.
- Inspect weatherstripping and door sweeps. Replace compressed or torn sections promptly to keep wind‑driven rain out.
- Give storm shutters a quick visual check so you are not discovering stuck fasteners during a watch.
HVAC and indoor air quality
- Replace filters monthly or on the schedule your system needs. Clean filters help coils dehumidify effectively.
- Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent to reduce mold risk, ideally near 50 percent. If humidity climbs, service the system and clear condensate drains to prevent moisture problems EPA mold and moisture guidance.
- Run bathroom exhaust fans during and after showers. In seldom‑used spaces, cycle the AC and fans to avoid stale, damp air.
Hardscape, pool, and patio areas
- Hose down salt and pollen on pavers, stone, and furniture. Avoid harsh pressure on coatings and sealants.
- Check railings and steps for wobble or loose fasteners. Tighten before corrosion spreads.
- Skim and test pool water frequently during windy weeks. Keep equipment pads clear of debris and salt residue.
Landscaping and irrigation
- Trim vegetation off walls, fences, and equipment to allow airflow and drying.
- Inspect irrigation heads so spray does not hit siding or windows. Overspray raises moisture against the structure, which can contribute to mold and rot over time EPA humidity guidance.
- Collect palm fronds and storm debris quickly to keep drains and swales open.
Quarterly deep cleans and tune‑ups
These resets slow wear and keep protective layers intact.
Exterior wash and surface care
- Do a low‑pressure rinse and gentle wash of siding, stucco, and stone to remove salt film.
- Clean glass, frames, and screens thoroughly. Follow with a fresh‑water rinse of balcony rails and outdoor kitchens.
Paint, caulk, and finishes
- Walk the exterior and inspect for hairline cracks in stucco, failed caulk at penetrations, and peeling paint. Spot‑seal and re‑caulk to block wind‑driven rain.
- Florida sun can shorten paint life. Plan touch‑ups and keep a labeled touch‑up kit handy. Many coastal homes need exterior repaint cycles sooner than inland properties regional paint lifespan context.
Roof, gutters, and drainage
- Clear gutters, scuppers, and downspouts. Ensure splash blocks or drains move water away from the foundation.
- Scan the roof from the ground or with a pro: look for lifted shingles or tiles, cracked flashing, or sealant failures. Coastal roofs take extra UV and wind, so early fixes prevent bigger issues UF IFAS hurricane‑hardening tips.
Appliances and plumbing touchpoints
- Clean refrigerator coils and check icemaker lines for slow leaks.
- Inspect under‑sink shutoffs and supply lines for corrosion or drips. Salt air speeds up deterioration.
- Flush the water heater per manufacturer guidance. In second homes, consider vacation settings or timers to reduce idle humidity.
Waterfront and outdoor structures
- Inspect docks, lifts, fences, and decks. Tighten hardware, remove rust bloom, and clear weep holes.
- For seawalls, look for soil loss behind the wall, blocked weep holes, cracks, or exposed rebar. Plan professional evaluations at regular intervals and after notable storms industry seawall inspection cadence.
Storm‑season prep and recovery steps
A calm checklist helps you move quickly and confidently.
Pre‑season readiness checklist
Handle these in April and May so you can enjoy summer:
- Schedule full HVAC service and roof inspection. Clear gutters and drains.
- Service generators and test transfer switches. Stage fuel where permitted.
- Inspect and service shutters. Replace missing fasteners and label panels by opening.
- Review insurance coverages. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies. NFIP flood policies typically have a 30‑day waiting period before coverage takes effect, so do not wait for watches or warnings to call your agent Town of Juno Beach flood insurance guidance.
- Photograph interiors, exteriors, and contents. Save to cloud folders with receipts.
- Know your evacuation zone and route. Register for Palm Beach County alerts in advance county zone lookup and emergency guidance.
- Schedule any shoreline work early. Work near the beach or seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line often needs Florida DEP and local approvals, which take time DEP CCCL program.
Watch and warning actions
When a system approaches:
- Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and decor.
- Close and lock windows and doors. Deploy shutters when advised.
- Unplug nonessential electronics and raise items off floors in low‑lying areas.
- Shut off irrigation and secure propane tanks. Clear drains and street gutters.
Post‑storm inspection and cleanup
- Wait for local authorities to give the all‑clear before returning. Follow Palm Beach County reentry guidance and safety advisories county emergency page.
- Document exterior and interior damage before temporary repairs. Photograph debris lines, roof areas, and any water intrusion.
- Check the roof, flashing, windows, and doors for leaks. Inspect docks, lifts, and seawalls for shifting or cracks. Contact the town or county before permanent coastal repairs to confirm permits Palm Beach County ePermits.
Insurance and records management
- File claims promptly with photos, videos, and a dated inventory. Keep receipts for emergency work.
- Store service logs, estimates, and permits in one cloud folder for easy sharing with adjusters and future buyers.
Annual inspections and long‑range planning
These once‑a‑year touchpoints extend service life and preserve value.
Structural and envelope review
- Book a roof inspection before hurricane season. Address lifted tiles, flashing cracks, and sealant failures. Reinforce attachments to meet high wind standards where needed UF IFAS guidance.
- Inspect all openings. Re‑caulk windows and doors, refresh weatherstripping, and verify smooth operation of shutters.
- Evaluate exterior coatings. Plan repaint cycles and elastomeric coatings appropriate for coastal exposure paint lifespan considerations.
Mechanical systems service
- Schedule comprehensive HVAC service. Clean coils, confirm refrigerant charge, and clear condensate drains to maintain dehumidification performance EPA humidity and mold guidance.
- Service water heaters, water treatment systems, and whole‑house generators.
- Test GFCI and AFCI breakers. Replace corroded exterior outlets and covers.
Pest, moisture, and air testing
- Book an annual termite inspection. Treat risk conditions like wood‑to‑soil contact and damp crawl areas.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor interior humidity, especially in storage rooms. If readings hover above 60 percent, consider supplemental dehumidification EPA guidance.
Refreshes and value‑add upgrades
- Upgrade exterior metals and hardware to 316 stainless during routine replacements for longer life in salty air marine stainless overview.
- Consider impact‑rated windows or upgraded shutters, improved roof attachments, and flood‑resilient materials in ground‑level spaces.
- On waterfront lots, schedule professional seawall evaluations every 1 to 3 years and after notable storms. Maintain weep holes and address soil settlement early to avoid major replacements seawall inspection cadence.
Pro support and second‑home routines
Owning part time is easier with a trusted team and smart monitoring.
Service cadence and vendor roles
- Create a simple schedule with your property manager or housekeeper: monthly exterior rinse and filter change, quarterly deep clean, biannual professional inspections.
- Line up licensed specialists for roof, HVAC, pool, landscaping, and waterfront structures. Keep permits current for any shoreline work, since projects near the beach may require Florida DEP and local approvals through Palm Beach County DEP CCCL and county ePermits.
Smart‑home monitoring and check‑ins
- Use leak sensors, temperature and humidity monitors, and exterior cameras. Set alerts for high humidity so someone can intervene before mold develops EPA moisture prevention.
- Arrange biweekly walk‑throughs when you are away to catch salt buildup, leaks, and pests quickly.
Turnkey readiness between stays
- Departure: lower shades, set AC to hold humidity near 50 percent, shut off nonessential water valves, and secure outdoor items.
- Pre‑arrival: schedule a light exterior rinse, fresh filters, and pool check. Restock storm supplies during season. Confirm your evacuation zone and alert settings in Palm Beach County so you are informed if conditions change zone lookup.
Keep your coastal home pristine
A steady rhythm of small tasks and a few scheduled inspections will protect your Juno Beach property from the elements and keep it showing beautifully for years. Use this calendar as a base, then tailor it to your home’s exposure, materials, and lifestyle.
If you would like a personalized upkeep plan or vetted vendor list for northern Palm Beach County, connect with Susan Gizzi Winch. With deep local expertise and a concierge approach, Susan can coordinate prep, referrals, and timing so your home is always guest‑ready and market‑ready.
FAQs
When is the best time to schedule exterior projects in Juno Beach?
- Aim for winter to late spring so most work is complete before hurricane season begins on June 1 NOAA season dates.
Do I really need flood insurance if I am not on the ocean?
- Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood. NFIP flood insurance typically has a 30‑day waiting period, and the Town recommends discussing coverage early with your agent Juno Beach flood insurance.
How do I know my evacuation zone and route?
- Palm Beach County provides a zone lookup tool and emergency guidance. Check your address and register for alerts before storms form county zone lookup and emergency page.
What indoor humidity level should I target?
- Keep indoor relative humidity below 60 percent to limit mold, with a target near 50 percent for comfort and protection EPA guidance.
How often should I inspect a seawall or dock?
- Perform visual checks twice a year and after major storms. Schedule a professional or engineer inspection every 1 to 3 years or sooner if you see cracks, soil loss, or exposed rebar seawall inspection guidance.
Do I need permits for shoreline work or dune areas?
- Many projects near the beach require Florida DEP Coastal Construction Control Line approval plus Palm Beach County permits. Confirm scope before starting work DEP CCCL and county ePermits.
